Scott unimpressed with Grimsby Town's performance against Hull

JOINT boss Rob Scott hopes the Mariners' disappointing show against a Hull City XI will kick his side back into form.

A Lenell John-Lewis penalty was enough to give Town a 1-0 victory at Blundell Park on Friday night – but the manager was far from happy with his side.

Impressive pre-season displays against Cleethopes Town, Winterton and Brigg saw the Mariners chalk-up 10 goals in their first three outings.

And there were encouraging signs in the defeats against Scunthorpe and Bradford.

But against the young Tigers, Scott feels Town may have took the game lightly, and ultimately made too many simple mistakes.

He told the Telegraph: "It might seem odd to say, but against a young side we were some way off where we have been.

"It disappointed us on Friday that we didn't play how we have been – we didn't pass the ball like we did against Bradford, and for an hour against Scunthorpe.

"We tried to take risks at the wrong times, overplayed and probably got dragged into the fact it was more like a training game.

"It wasn't to the standard that we feel we're at, because in the other games we have worked hard and passed the ball.

"We have worked hard and played at a high tempo, and on Friday there was none of that.

"Sometimes in pre-season you have a peak, and we need to be better – we have told the players where we need to work."

It may have been a below-par display, but new signings Clayton McDonald and Jonathan Hedge earned a clean sheet on their first day at the club. Both came through the 90 minutes unscathed, keeping the talented young Tigers – and renowned striker Aaron McLean – at bay for the entirety.

Scott added: "The two lads that have come in didn't have much to do.

"Jonathan (Hedge) was quiet for most of the night, but his kicking was good throughout and he has that presence about him.

"And Clayton (McDonald) certainly has a presence about him too.

"On the face of it, we have got a good squad.

"We are pleased with what we have, but we need to play better than we did against Hull.

"We have told them when things have gone well in pre-season – they have worked extremely hard on fitness, and have taken on board the things we have tried to tell them.

"But if you praise them, you have to be prepared to tell them when they are not quite there."